Mixed bag on EPIC MOVIE TRAILER INSTRUMENTALS

[MattCurious]

This was an interesting mixed bag that I thought I'd share, as it emphasises (for me, anyway) the subjectivity of the screening process and the importance of things behind the scenes, like what the project actually is - stuff that we don't know and can't influence. The first one here was forwarded yesterday but returned today.

One Man's Fight: https://soundcloud.com/matt_curious/one-mans-fight
Today's feedback: "Thia track takes too long to build up. It lacks energy and drive overall. One's man's fight lacked the dynamics and emotional impact needed for this project."
Yesterday's feedback: "Nice stark tone set. The cue builds and progresses nicely to that big climax at 1:29. Well done piece of trailer music."

Today's screener kindly followed up by saying that overall the tracks were "Great work" - so for me this return reinforces that old chestnut about screenwriting, which is just as applicable to us: it's a great scene, just not in this movie.

The Hour Approaches: https://soundcloud.com/matt_curious/the-hour-approaches
"Very nice Matthew!"

This one seems to be getting some momentum as it's been forwarded three times now, just yet to find a home.

Here's the listing:

EPIC MOVIE TRAILER INSTRUMENTALS are needed by an Independent Music Library with global distribution and a long track record of awesome Film and TV placements. They're eager to find powerful Instrumentals that could work well for big Blockbuster Movie Trailers. They're open to anything that ranges from Orchestral Trailer-style Instrumentals to hybridized material with Orchestral, Rock and/or Electronic elements. Please take a listen to the following examples to get in the ballpark of what they need:"Protectors of the Earth" by Two Steps From Hell: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ASj81daun5Q"The Lion's Heart" by Audiomachine: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQds6kUQrhM"Strength of a Thousand Men" by Thomas Bergersen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B_fR-0pd-GEPlease give them Instrumentals that deliver a huge impact, with a structure that's typical of most film trailer music: three distinct "acts" that build as your composition progresses. Easy edit points and buttoned endings are strongly encouraged. Please do not copy or rip off the referenced music in any way, shape, or form. Use them only as a general guide for tempo, texture, tone, and vibe. All submissions should be at least 2 minutes in length. Broadcast Quality is needed (Great sounding home recordings are fine). This Library offers an EXCLUSIVE, 50/50 split. You'll get 50% of any sync fees and 100% of the Writer's share. They'll get 50% of the sync fee and 100% of the Publisher's share. You must own or control your Master and Composition to submit to this pitch. Please submit one to three Instrumentals online or per CD. All submissions will be screened and critiqued by TAXI and must be received no later than 11:59PM (PST), on Monday, March 7th, 2016. TAXI #S160307ET

[Danny]

Matt,

Same thing happened to me.

3 returns of trailers, 2 days ago but 2 out of the same 3 forwarded yesterday by a different screener.

The first screener was more worried about what technically constitutes trailer work while the second screener loved the emotion set fourth.

Now the question. Does a movie viewer give a hoot about a technicality about score structure or does it matter more when the emotion knocks him out of his seat?

I personally do not always follow "The rules" on trailers like the three parts, buildup, etc, but I have them in library deals. Sometimes a trailer starts off slamming and heavy..Just watch TV.

My pal who is a Juilliard grad and composer, feels the same way. He said there are no rules to making a scene kick ass with music. Just write from the heart.

[MattCurious]

Yeah, it's funny when that happens. I've had one track returned and then forwarded a few hours later!

I agree that in theory "the rules" shouldn't be a factor, but on the business side there's something (I think) about meeting the client's expectations - and in a two-sided market like this Taxi is our client until we have a direct relationship with the library (something I'm still working); if their brief says they want a three-act trailer, they get a three-act trailer!

But having said that - were your non-conforming trailers forwarded through Taxi (it sounds like they were by at least one screener) or direct to the library?

One thing that I advise people in my day job is that sometimes it pays not to give people a reason to reject what you're proposing.

So in this scenario, if Taxi has two equally good trailers but one is in the requested structure and the other is not, do you (by which I mean anyone) court a rejection by giving them a reason to differentiate between your pitch and the other one?

I don't know - I've been noodling at this for a few years but only really gotten focused on it since January, so I'm genuinely interested / asking.

[Danny]

Well, in my case, I like to think of it as "Out of the box" rather than non-conforming. You can see multiple cases on the forums where member's songs that were VERY shy of 2 minutes, were forwarded to a listing that asked for songs AT LEAST 2 minutes in lenth.

It's really a tough question. I often ask myself what is the determing factor that rejects a song if you have an equal amout of great songs? Also, is there a threshold on the amount of tunes a customer receives? IOW, what if the customer wants to hear the best 25 tracks that a listing asks for but there are 35 awesome tracks. Just hypotheticals.

Some of my trailers were forwarded through Taxi. Can't remember which listings specifically asked for a particuler structure. Some listings mention nothing. There is a large category called Cinematic Action Scores in the library world that can often be intermingled with trailers. I guess on a case by case basis depending on the track.

Since I have been a member on and off for years and have always read the forums, I do notice that if anyone inquires about something that is "Fishy" or a little bit "Off", there will be a swarm of people defending the inquiry, even if they don't know the answer.

All in all, I enjoy the service and the inspiring people here. I probably would have gave up writing years ago if it weren't for their positive inspiration and advice.

[MattCurious]

Hi Danny

That's really helpful, thanks - I have a couple of out-of-the-box trailers in mind but have been reluctant to try them because of the three-act situation. I might throw one into my next pitch (assuming it doesn't mention a traditional build) and see how it does!

M

[Danny]

Great! Good luck with them.....